5 Easy Ways to Start the School Year Without Losing Your Mind

As much as I love finding fun ideas on Pinterest for magical first-day photos and perfectly curated bento box lunches complete with animal face mini sandwiches, it doesn’t help me stay sane. Instead, it makes the pressure build that I am responsible for making the new school year absolutely amazing.

Visiting a farm can be a real adventure for city and suburban kids. Getting up close to and even feeding farm animals can lead to lots of fun and unexpected learning. We've rounded up some tried and true nearby options where your family can spend a day in the country and meet some new barnyard friends.

Back by popular demand! The Greenway Quest from Great Rivers Greenway awaits, and this year your mission is a truly buzzworthy scavenger hunt! Take to the St. Louis area's greenways (and City Museum) to find one of 250 hand-painted bee rocks along the trails. When you find one, you'll be entered to win one of several prize packages with goodies like City Museum tickets, greenway swag and gift certificates from some of the St. Louis area's family favorites!

Tyler, Nevaeh, Jadyn, and Grace – the fearless foursome of the new animated series “Drawn In” – have captured the imagination of viewers in St. Louis and ignited their love of learning with every new adventure. The show was conceived, created, and produced in St. Louis, and the majority of voice talent is based in the metro area. You can catch it on Nine PBS.